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What they say about food as one of the best ways to learn more about a city or country also holds true for wine. A wine tour offers a wide range of experiences that make great fodder for interesting conversations for years to come. It also provides a glimpse of the local culture and its history. Here are some of the top reasons why you should book a wine tour, if you have not done so already.

Extensive selection of wine tour destinations

Finding a wine tour destination is not a hardship given all the choices available. The top wine regions are spread out across the globe. This makes it even more exciting to plan trips in faraway places you have never been to. With so many options to choose from, you can have your pick of wine tours that suit your preferences and budget.

Wide range of wine experiences

Wine tours provide a wide range of experiences. It is both educational and social. It is a great way to spend time with family and friends as well as meet new people. You can learn about the history not just of the wineries but also of the towns or cities they are located. A wine tour is also one way of learning more about the local culture. Touring a vineyard and winery facility is also a good opportunity to better understand the intricacies of wine production.

Winery activities

Some of the best tours offer activities that make your visit even more special. You may learn the fine art of wine tasting from the winery’s experts. You can also sign up for events like wine lectures or lessons from some of the best sommeliers.

Varied duration based on personal preferences

You can choose a wine tour that fits your time preference and availability. You can opt for a short tour that you can finish in half a day. Or you can go for longer explorations that could easily last to up to a week or two. You can visit several wineries at once, go on wine road trips, or stay at an inn near a vineyard for a more extensive and leisurely exploration.

Breathtaking scenery

Wineries often come with picturesque views. Many are found at scenic countryside amidst a backdrop of natural landscapes. There are also several vineyards located near towns with beautiful architecture and quaint villages. You can make the most of your trip by setting out on a wine road trip to see more of the wineries in the region you are visiting.

Admit it or not, wine has now become more than just a status symbol. But that’s because it doesn’t only help relax your body in a healthier way as it spreads in its anti-inflammatory properties all over your body from the inside and out to fight off critical diseases from coming your way, but also helps boost your energy like no other no matter what time of the day you are currently in and what you’ve gone through in life.

Admit it or not as well, wine has also now become more than just a power symbol. And that’s because it doesn’t only help rejuvenate your mind in a fitter way as it spreads out its antioxidant properties all over your mind from the outside and in to fight off crucial distractions from coming your way, but also helps boost your immunity like never before no matter what day of the week you are currently in and what you’re going through in life.

Thus, it’s only right for you to saw your own vineyard at home.

You see and aside from the fact that wine can truly make you heathier from the inside, there’s also the fact that the act of sawing itself can make you even healthier from the outside as it helps every bit of your muscle get flexed enough to do things only a few can do in the eyes of some people such as that of creating something new by hand.

Indeed, wine has also now become more than just a status symbol – it is now a health symbol and something that perfectly represents how strong you really are from the inside.

And thus, it’s only right for you to saw your own vineyard at home.

You also see and aside from the fact that wine can really make you fitter from the outside, there’s also the fact that the act of sawing itself can make you even fitter from the inside as it helps every bit of your nerve get fueled enough to do things only a few can do in the eyes of other people such as that of innovating something old by hand.

And indeed, wine has also now become more than just a power symbol – it is now a fitness symbol and something that perfectly represents how sturdy you truly are from the outside.

Antioxidants

According to a study conducted by the scientists of the University of Barcelone, phenols in red wine give drinkers antioxidants. Their antioxidants are lower or equal to the antioxidants found in white wine.

A Healthy Heart

Red wine contains tannins, and these tannins have procyanidins. These procyanidins are phenols responsible for neutralizing free radicals and are effective in the prevention of cardiovascular illness.

Researchers from the Israel Institute of Technology found that red wine also enhances a drinker’s blood vessel cell health, which improves blood flow. When the flow of blood is better, the heart is healthier, and there will be smaller chances of acquiring heart diseases.

A Slimmer Bod

According to the study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, piceatannol hinders the development of fat cells. It can do so by binding to the insulin receptors of fat cells and obstructing the pathways needed for these immature fat cells to grow and mature. In case you didn’t know, piceatannol is a chemical compound which human bodies convert from resveratrol. And resveratrol is a polyphenol compound found in red wine, known for having antioxidant properties.

Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Red wine involves the skin of grapes, hence the color. These grape skins, an excellent source of resveratrol, help people with diabetes in the regulation of their blood sugar as per a study published in the Nutrition Journal. Those who took resveratrol supplements had remarkable decreases in their total cholesterol as well as systolic blood pressure. Their glucose levels were also smaller than those who didn’t take 250mg resveratrol pills once a day for three months. It is then safe to say that resveratrol can help trigger insulin secretion or activate a protein which aids in glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity.

Long Life

Drinking red wine can lengthen your life!

According to the researchers at Harvard Medical School, resveratrol activates a protein (as mentioned earlier) that serves as an anti-aging instrument. If you drink red wine, your overall health will increase, promoting long life. And c’mon, who doesn’t want to live long?

Unlike the perfect grow lights setup you have when growing indoor cannabis, white wine isn’t as perfect as you think it is. Like most food and drink, consuming too much wine can cause trouble. But it has health benefits too! Let’s see what white wine can give us.

Pros

Antioxidants

Researchers from the Ankara University found that white wine contains antioxidants. Although red grape juice and red wine contained higher levels of antioxidants, the difference, as well as the defense of cells from oxidation, wasn’t considerably greater than white wine’s. Antioxidants slow aging effects by decreasing the damage caused by free radicals. They also protect eye vision and lessen the effects of aging on the skin.

Healthy lung tissues

Studies have shown that white wine contributes to the good health of lung tissues—one thing red wine doesn’t give. In 2002, Buffalo School of Medicine researchers found that drinking white wine moderately can improve lung health. It was then proven to be effective in preventing the development of lung disease. Some studies also show that it can improve cardiovascular health.

Prevention of breast cancer

White wine has also been effective in preventing breast cancer. In 2010, researchers from the University of Wisconsin discovered that white wine could protect cells from breast cancer just as red wine could.

Nutrition

Apart from its beneficial antioxidants, white wine also contains fluoride, which is great for the teeth; potassium, which strengthens the bones; and phosphorus, which improves digestion. It also gives energy to the body (around 80-100 calories).

However, even though there are benefits such as these, there are still cons behind white wine consumption.

Cons

Acidic

White wines are the most acidic wines, which means drinking too much could worsen your teeth.

Sugar

Compared to red wines, they have higher sugar content.

Liver disease

Consuming too much of white wine can cause liver disease because white wine is still alcohol in itself.

Conclusion

Basically, if you want to drink white wine, do so moderately; otherwise, you’ll end up acquiring its disadvantages.

Who doesn’t enjoy traveling? It’s the sweetest escape from your city’s hustle and bustle, it’s a relaxing activity, and it’s an excellent way to renew the mind. Wherever you want to go, I’m confident that the journey will be worth it.

However, since not all experiences are bound to be perfect, it’s better to be cautious when you travel.

So, here are the ways you can keep yourself safe when traveling. Did I hear a “Thank You?” Oh, you’re welcome!

Staying In

Check the locations of emergency exits. If you can, stay in a hotel room that’s near the exit or the front desk.

Before you smoke or cook, confirm whether these activities are allowed. Also, ask the front desk officer if you can bring a pet.

Eating Out

I know you’re in for a food trip, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore your safety! As much as possible, stay away from food shops or restaurants that are too far from the city. Less crowded places are more prone to thieves and criminals.

Avoid eating at restaurants located in dark areas. They might be near the city, but if the way to it is suspicious, I suggest you forget it.

Be careful about what you eat! If you’re not sure what’s in the meal, you better ask the ingredients first, especially if you have allergies. You won’t be able to enjoy the rest of your travel if you just had an allergic reaction.

From Place to Place

No matter how cool it may sound, please don’t hitchhike. Since you’re in a different place, you have less knowledge about the types of people in the area. And because that’s the case, it’s best to ride public vehicles only. It might not be free, but at least you’ll feel safer.

Avoid traveling late at night. Unless you’re with a crowd and you know some karate, then go ahead, dance the night away.

Protecting Your Privacy

Leave your documents and their photocopies in a safe place.

You can talk to strangers, but don’t tell them everything. More importantly, don’t tell them your travel details and which hotel you’re staying.

Don’t post everything on social media. “Checking in” is sometimes a bad idea because you can be followed by other people you don’t know. Besides, it would be too annoying for your social media friends if you post every single picture one at a time.

Are you a farm owner? If you’re concerned about those insects disturbing the crops in your farm, I have good news for you! You can now keep them safe by using the best backsprayer on the market today! You can read more here.

TRIVIA TIME! Did you know that red wines get their hue from the juice fermenting with the grape skins and seeds? To make white wines, however, the skins and seeds of the grapes are removed before they’re fermented.

Whether you’re a wine expert or not, the colors of the wine will surely interest you. So here are the red wine and white wine colors with their respective descriptions.

Colors of Red Wine

Light-Bodied Red Wine

Light-bodied red wines such as St. Laurent, Pinot Noir, and Zweigelt tend to have higher levels of acid and less tannin. The colors of light-bodied red wines can extend from a bright magenta to garnet.

Medium-Bodied Red Wine

Medium-bodied red wines like Zinfandel, Merlot, and Sangiovese have medium levels of acid and tannin. This range of wines is also diverse.

Full-Bodied Red Wine

Full-bodied red wines such as Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Syrah have slightly lower acidity compared to medium-bodied red wines. However, they have high tannin. Because they’re highly extracted, they are opaque as well.

Old Red Wine

A red wine will have a dull brown hue if it’s way past its best years. Others may last up to 20 years without changing colors, but Nebbiolo and Merlot turn into orange earlier than other kinds of wine.

Rosé Wine

Red grapes like Mourvedre are used to make rosé wine, but the skins of the grapes aren’t exposed to the juice for long. Because of that, Rosé wines, like Pinot Noir and Garnacha, appear paler than the typical red wine. Their colors range from pale salmon to magenta.

Colors of White Wine

Light-Bodied White Wine

Light-bodied white wines like Albarino, Muscadet, Pinot Grigio, and Vinho Verde vary from clear to a pale yellow-green color. It’s best to drink them when they’re young and cold as ice.

Medium-Bodied White Wine

Most white wines are medium-bodied. They have a pale yellow-gold color. Examples of medium-bodied white wines are Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Unoaked Chardonnay.

Full-Bodied White Wine

These wines have less acid levels, and they use oak aging in order to add vanilla scents and creaminess. Among full-bodied white wines are Marsanne, Chardonnay, and Viognier.

Old White Wine

Not many white wines can last for more than a few of years. Because they’re sensitive to light, old white wines lose their shine and have a more orange color over time.

No party is ever complete without a few bottles of wine. Not only will a glass of it make for a perfect drink while hanging out with your friends, but also make for a great drink while keeping yourself healthy and fit.

But you know what? A perfect cheese for a great wine makes for an ultimate party experience. A plate of it and a glass of it will not just make for a perfect snack combination. A plate of it and a glass of it will also make for a tasting experience like no other.

Here’s why you should consider having a party with a perfect cheese for a great wine:

Cheese makes the wine’s flavor more exquisite.

Wine has five important characteristics: sweetness, acidity, tannin, fruit, and body. Each of these characteristics has a corresponding effect on one’s taste buds. Paired with cheese, each of these characteristics will have an influencing effect on one’s taste buds. Paired with the right kind of cheese, each of these characteristics will have a charming effect on one’s taste buds.

You see…a glass of wine paired with the right kind of cheese will bring out only the best of the above-mentioned features – just enough sweetness, just the right level of acidity, the right kind of drying sensation, as well as a sufficient amount of mixed fruits and a tolerable amount of alcohol.

Wine makes the cheese’s flavor more delectable.

Having a cheese pairing with the right kind of wine is just like having a food pairing with Cabernet Sauvignon wine, where the gourmet dish becomes more scrumptious. This is due to the wine’s said features mixing well with the cheese’s varying characteristics – including texture, firmness, mould content, gas holes, and even eyes.

That being said, wine makes the cheese’s flavor more delectable – all by incorporating both of their characteristics into one tasting experience like no other.

What do you think of this blog post? Share your thoughts with us below!

Wine drinkers are on to something. Drinking wine, at least in recommended amounts every day, is good for your health. Various studies made the potential benefits of wine show that one glass or two of drink every day can improve your health.

Fights depression

Drinking wine can be a stress reliever. It helps you relax after a long, busy day. But it does not only promote relaxation. Research suggests that individuals who have two to seven drinks of wine every week are less susceptible to developing depression. So the next time you are feeling the blues, you may want to have that one glass of wine to give your mood a boost.

Reduces cholesterol levels

Resveratrol, which is one of the substances found in red wine, purportedly helps in lowering LDL and increasing the good cholesterol HDL. The key is to drink wine in moderation meaning to get the potential benefits, you have to make sure that you stick to recommended amounts – one glass of wine every day for women and two glasses at most for men.

Lowers the risk Type 2 diabetes

Research conducted to over 300,000 individuals over a period of 12 years revealed that those who drink moderately were less prone to developing type 2 diabetes. Resveratrol is again believed to be one of the factors that help in lowering the risk developing the disease.

Helps you live longer

A research conducted in Finland shows that individuals who drink wine have lower mortality rate by as much as 34%. This is further supported by a discovery where people living in a certain area in the island of Ikarios tend to live longer than most. A look into their lifestyle revealed that drinking wine is part of their every day routines.

Reduces risks of certain types of cancer

Studies show that drinking moderate amounts of red wine can cut the risk of certain types of cancer. Red wine is believed to help in inhibiting aromatase, which is useful to breast tumors and thus could potentially increase the risk of cancer. Drinking wine in moderation can also lower the risks of colon cancer and prostate cancer.

Improves body functions like exercise

According to researchers from the University of Alberta, resveratrol in red wine promotes brain, bone, and heart function. The beneficial effects are similar to what exercise triggers in the body. It is said that drinking a glass of red wine can have the potential benefits you get from one hour of exercise at the gym.

About

Vineyard & Wine is a wine and travel blog. It takes a look at wine tours, vineyards, and wine destinations. It features stories about wine related travels as well as the amazing discoveries to found in wine estates and facilities around the world. It also covers cheese and other delectable food that goes well with delicious wines. This blog also shares tips, resources, and more.